Gareth Southgate’s Dilemma: Who’ll Start At Right Back For England?
Gareth Southgate has given himself a headache by selecting four right-backs in his 26-man England squad for the upcoming European Championship. Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Tripper, and Reece James. Only one man can play in the position. Who will it be? Join us as we take a look at each of their chances. If you fancy your chances, head to real money online pokies to win big.
Kyle Walker | Manchester City
The 31-year-old has been England’s first-choice right-back for years and must be considered the favourite to be Gareth Southgate’s first choice at Euro 2020. Kyle Walker has enjoyed a strong season with Manchester City who regained the Premier League title from Liverpool and also won one of the domestic cups. Pep Guardiola’s men made it all the way to the Champions League final only to fall short to their domestic rivals, Chelsea. If the England boss opts to play four at the back Walker seems a sure thing to start on the right of the defence. Walker’s versatility could also see him start on the right side of a back three or five should Southgate decide to mix things up at Euro 2020. Whatever happens, don’t expect Walker to play at online casinos during this upcoming tournament, he’ll be too busy playing football for England.
Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool
The 22-year-old scouser has emerged has one of the most promising youngsters in football in the last few years. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been pivotal to Liverpool’s resurgence under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp who has led the English giant to the Premier League and Champions League in the last two years. Alexander-Arnold’s position in the England squad seemed a certainty until Southgate dropped him back in March as he and Liverpool endured a poor run of form. The snub appeared to light a fire in the belly of Liverpool’s young star who finished the Premier League season in great form, helping his team to a third-place finish in the English topflight. Alexander-Arnold would be the best choice to start on the right-hand side of a back five. He’s a prolific provider of goals for his teammates and could help England end their long trophy drought this summer. Don’t be surprised to see ‘TAA’ in the England midfield, as Southgate appears to be one of the many people who believe Alexander-Arnold is yet play in his best position.
Kieran Trippier | Atletico Madrid
Kieran Trippier joined the growing number of English players taking their talents abroad when he left Tottenham to join Atletico Madrid in 2019 and boy has it paid off. The Bury-born right-back is coming off a tremendous season which saw him play in 28 matches as Diego Simeone’s men outpointed Barcelona and Real Madrid to win La Liga. Tripper was one of England’s best performers at the 2018 World Cup and scored his first/only England goal in the semi-final against Croatia. For us, it’ll be a surprise to see Trippier starting for England at the upcoming European Championships. No doubt, he’s a really good, reliable player but in our opinion, he won’t be able to displace Walker or get ahead of Alexander-Arnold.
Reece James | Chelsea
The 21-year-old is the least experienced option Southgate has taken at right-back. Nonetheless, he’s a very good option to have. The Chelsea youth product has enjoyed a brilliant 2020/21 season, having cemented his place as Thomas Tuchel’s preferred right-back and winning the Champions League with Chelsea just last week. We think this tournament may have come just a little early for him. James is clearly talented but in terms of his attacking stats, fails to reach the levels of his three rivals for the position. While he may spend much of Euro 2020 on the bench it’ll be a positive experience that will stand him in good stead for next year’s World Cup.
